Remote start control system including an engine speed data bus reader and related methods

Abstract

A remote start control system may include an engine speed data bus reader at the vehicle for reading the engine speed signal on the vehicle data communications bus, and a remote start controller at the vehicle and connected to the engine speed data bus reader for operating the engine starter based upon a remote start transmitter and based upon the engine speed signal. In some embodiments, the engine speed signal may include a digital code, and the engine speed data bus reader reads the digital code and converts the digital code into a pulsed tachometer emulation signal for the remote start controller. In other embodiments, the engine speed data bus reader generates an output level based upon the digital code exceeding at least one threshold, such as an engine started or engine overspeed threshold. The remote start control system is readily interfaced to a vehicle having a data communications bus to thereby be able to operate using an engine speed signal.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S . patent application Ser. No. 10 / 413,047 filed Apr. 14, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,031,826 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 583,333 filed May 31, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,812,829, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 382,245 filed Aug. 25, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,147, which in turn, is a continuation of Ser. No. 09 / 023,838 filed Feb. 13, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,460, which in turn, is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 08 / 701,356 filed Aug. 22, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,551, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This application is related to the field of vehicle control systems and, more particularly, to a remote start system and related methods for vehicles.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Vehicle security systems are widely used to deter vehicle theft, preve...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017]This and other objects, features and advantages in accordance with the present invention are provided by a remote start control system comprising an engine speed data bus reader at the vehicle for reading the engine speed signal on the vehicle data communications bus, and a remote start controller at the vehicle and connected to the engine speed data bus reader for operating the engine starter based upon a remote start transmitter and based upon the engine speed signal. In one class of embodiments, the engine speed signal comprises a digital code, and the engine speed data bus reader reads the digital code and converts the digital code into a pulsed tachometer emulation signal for the remote start controller. Accordingly, the remote start control system is readily interfaced to a vehicle having a data communications bus to be able to operate using an engine speed signal.

[0021]In accordance with another advantageous feature of the invention, the engine speed data bus reader may switch between a sleep mode and an operating mode based upon activity on the vehicle data communications bus. Accordingly, when there is little or no activity on the bus, power consumption can be reduced.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, the vehicle fuel supply and / or ignition power may be selectively disabled based upon an alarm condition.

Unfortunately, the majority of vehicle security systems need to be directly connected by wires to individual vehicle devices, such as the vehicle horn or door switches of the vehicle.

The number of electrical devices in a vehicle has increased so that the size and complexity of wiring harnesses has also increased.

Implementing multiplexing concepts in vehicles in a cost-effective and reliable manner may not be easy.

Unfortunately, conventional vehicle control systems, such as aftermarket remote engine starting systems, are for hard-wired connection to vehicle devices and are not readily adaptable to a vehicle including a data communications bus.

Moreover, remote starting of the engine presents additional difficulties compared to some other vehicle control applications.

In addition, a remote starter system, even if it were adapted for a communications bus and devices for one particular model, model year, and manufacturer, may not be compatible with any other models, model years, or manufacturers.

One particularly difficult condition to sense for remote starting is vehicle engine speed or RPM.

Such a connection or interface can be relatively difficult and add additional cost to the remote starter, while also reducing its potential reliability.

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